Swamp Island Drive – “Big Boy” Gator

As normal, I saved the best for last. This is the final day of my “Swamp Island Drive” photo series. About 2-3 miles from the Baby Gator, I come across 6-7 foot “Big Boy” along Swamp Island Drive at the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. Assuming he’s a boy of course.

Funny little story about this Gator, on the return drive down Swamp Island Drive headed out, I came across another Water Lily that I wanted to get a picture of. You always see things differently from a different angle. Now I knew I was in the vicinity of where I saw “Big Boy” the first time but he was no where in sight. So, I get out of SwampRat (my Jeep Wrangler), walk around front to get closer to the waters edge to get as close-up of a shot as I can of the lily, only to realize I am within 7-8 feet of this alligator who had apparently moved right at the waters edge. As badly as I wanted to just walk right up to the gator and pet it… IM NOT STUPID. lol But trust me.. I really had to talk myself out of it. Same with the Baby Gator. He never flinched. Not once. He just laid there and posed for me.

Such a beautiful creature. I want one. I had to force myself to leave.